ICD-10 Code H46.2 – Nutritional optic neuropathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H46.2 – Nutritional optic neuropathy
What it is
Nutritional optic neuropathy is optic nerve damage linked to inadequate nutrition, often from vitamin deficiency or malabsorption. It can cause gradual, bilateral vision loss and color vision problems.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include decreased visual acuity, reduced color vision, and central or cecocentral visual field defects. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H46.2 when the clinician documents nutritional optic neuropathy or optic nerve dysfunction attributed to malnutrition or vitamin deficiency. Code it when the record clearly links the optic neuropathy to a nutritional cause. Check documentation if the cause is uncertain or mixed.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for optic neuritis, toxic optic neuropathy, or unspecified vision loss without a nutritional cause. If the chart does not confirm nutrition-related optic nerve disease, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign H46.2 only when the provider states a nutritional etiology; otherwise, query or code the documented diagnosis.